Khan not pleased that Peterson gets to keep his IBF crown

By William Mackay: Former IBF/WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan (26-3, 18 KO’s) was less than happy at hearing the news that Lamont Peterson (30-1-1, 15 KO’s) is being allowed to keep his IBF light welterweight title by the International Boxing Federation after the sanctioning body met and decided in Peterson’s favor.

Khan said this on his twitter today: “I read somewhere, IBF give Peterson the title and heard he is fighting [Judah] next. Wow, so it must be ok to take drugs in boxing + still box … Peterson was caught juiced up so WBA reinstated the title back. IBF I heard have Peterson still champ and NO ban. What’s point of drug tests … I’m not bitter 1 bit about [what] the IBF have done, its [just] unfair in sport. Getting caught taking drugs. Lol he can keep the title and the W.”

Peterson was under doctor supervision for treatment for an abnormally low natural testosterone level when he tested positive for synthetic testosterone. However, the IBF determined that the levels of synthetic testosterone in Peterson’s body were not to the point where they were performance enhancing. They were at therapeutic levels.

Khan sure sounds bitter about Peterson being allowed to keep his IBF title. However, there’s no gain for him if Peterson gets stripped of his title. Khan still was still beaten by Peterson last December, and the loss hasn’t been erased. Khan was also knocked in the 4th round by WBC light welterweight champion Danny Garcia, and that wouldn’t change either even if the IBF ruled against Peterson.

If Peterson’s level of testosterone was at the therapeutic levels only then what is Khan’s gripe? He fought a guy that was under doctor care to treat his low testosterone and it wasn’t like Peterson was flying solo and taking the testosterone alone without supervision.

Peterson still has to meet with the Nevada State Athletic Commission and if everything goes well with that meeting, he’ll be able to resume his career and face Zah Judah next to defend his IBF title. If Peterson gets past Judah, Khan can decide if he wants to try and avenge his loss to him – if Khan doesn’t get beaten again by someone else in the meantime. As of now, Khan has lost his last two fights and another defeat for him would be a crushing blow to his career. That’s what Khan should be worrying about right now, not about Peterson being allowed to keep his IBF title.